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      Arsenal left in limbo as embarrassed Uefa chiefs seek THIRD venue for Europa League second-leg tie with Benfica

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      EMBARRASSED Uefa chiefs are now seeking a THIRD venue for Arsenal’s Europa League second leg tie with Benfica.
      Euro bosses announced that the first leg between the sides next Thursday would be moved from Lisbon to Rome because Portugal is on the UK ‘red list’ requiring ten days of hotel quarantine.

      Arsenal are still waiting to hear where they will play their Europa League second leg against BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arsenal then confirmed Uefa had agreed their ‘home’ leg on February 25 would instead be played at Olympiakos’ Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, the port of Athens.
      But within hours, Arsenal were forced to delete their statement after Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an Athens-wide lockdown would come into effect immediately until the end of the month.
      That will force Arsenal and Uefa to scramble to find another alternative host that will allow both clubs into the country for the tie.
      The latest Euro venue farce comes after Uefa announced Chelsea’s Champions League away tie with Atletico Madrid will be played in Romania, at Bucharest’s Arena Nationala.

      Spanish government Covid restrictions on travel from the UK meant that Thomas Tuchel’s squad were unable to fly to Madrid to play the La Liga leaders in the Wanda Metropolitano.
      Atletico told Uefa that Bucharest was their preferred choice if a switch was necessary.
      Diego Simeone’s side beat fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao there to win the 2012 Europa League.
      The decision means that all of the three English clubs in the Champions League last 16 will play their ‘away’ legs on neutral territory.

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      Both Liverpool and Manchester City will travel to Budapest’s Puskas Arena for their games against Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively
      Manchester United’s Europa League last 32 first leg against Real Sociedad has been moved to Turin.
      It means only Spurs – who meet Austrians Wolfsberger – and Leicester, who play Slavia Prague, will play their next European ties as originally scheduled.
      However, apart from Arsenal, all the English teams will have home advantage for the return legs, although all those games will remain behind closed doors.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Champions League and Europa League venue changes: Man Utd in Turin, Arsenal in Rome & all stadium switches

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      EUROPEAN football returns with the knockout stages, but for a number of English teams it will look very different.
      Despite ties continuing to take place over the traditional two-leg format, some teams will be forced to forfeit home advantage due to Covid restrictions.

      The Stadio Olimpico in Rome will host Arsenal’s away game against BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Which Champions League ties will have venue changes?

      Both Liverpool and Man City will visit the Puskas Arena in BudapestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – Puskas Arena, Budapest

      RB Leipzig are unable to host Liverpool in their home stadium as entry to Germany from the UK has been banned for all non-residents.
      Jurgen Klopp himself was unable to return to the country to attend his mother’s funeral under the entry rules.
      Borussia Monchengladbach vs Man City – Puskas Arena, Budapest
      For the same reason as RB Leipzig’s game against Liverpool, Borussia Monchengladbach vs Man City will be unable to go ahead as planned.
      Therefore Budapest has stepped in to host both matches.

      Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea – National Arena, Bucharest
      Entry to Spain from the UK has been banned for all non-residents.
      Therefore this match has been moved to Bucharest.
      Atletico Madrid will have fond memories of the National Stadium as Diego Simeone won his first trophy – the 2012 Europa League – there.
      Which Europa League ties will have venue changes?

      The Juventus Stadium will host Real Sociedad vs Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Benfica vs Arsenal – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
      The UK bans all non-residents from entering the country from Portugal.

      Were Arsenal to play Benfica in Lisbon, the entire squad would be forced to undergo a ten-day hotel quarantine on return.
      Therefore, the match has been moved to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
      Real Sociedad vs Man Utd – Juventus Stadium, Turin
      Due to the Spanish government’s travel restrictions, Real Sociedad will host Man Utd at Juventus’ stadium in Turin.

      Molde vs Hoffenheim – Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal
      Despite stadiums in Spain not being allowed to host British clubs, Villarreal have been given permission to stage Molde vs Hoffenheim.
      The game has been moved as Norway has closed its borders to all non-resident foreign nationals.
      Arsenal vs Benfica
      The Benfica team are currently banned from travelling to the UK, along with all non-residents entering from Portugal.
      Arsenal had announced that Olympiacos’ Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens would host the match.
      However this post was later removed from their website and social media accounts.

      What happens if a home team can’t move its tie to a neutral venue?
      Where travel restrictions are imposed by the home team’s government, the club must find a new venue or be deemed to have forfeited the match 3-0.
      Where travel restrictions are imposed by the away team’s government, that club will be asked to find a new venue or have Uefa choose one for them.
      Do away goals still count double?
      Uefa have confirmed that away goals WILL count double in all European ties this year.
      That means, for example, that the rule will apply even if Benfica host Arsenal in Italy and Arsenal host Benfica in Greece. More

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      Man Utd add Amad Diallo and Phil Jones to 25-man squad for Europa League knockout stages as Solskjaer makes changes

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      AMAD DIALLO and Phil Jones have both been added to Manchester United’s Europa League squad.
      The Red Devils face Real Sociedad in the last 32 later this month.

      Amad Diallo has been added to Man Utd’s Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Phil Jones has also been called up despite not playing in over a yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has decided to include the pair as United look to make up for last season’s semi-final defeat to Sevilla.
      New winger Diallo could be set for some action after completing his £35million switch from Atalanta last month.
      The 18-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Red Devils.
      But Diallo impressed with two goals in a win over Liverpool for United’s Under-23s.

      And with Solskjaer looking to battle for the Premier League title, Diallo could be called upon more frequently in Europe.
      Meanwhile, defender Jones has not made an appearance for United in over a year.
      The 28-year-old was linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window but ended up staying.
      But Solskjaer wants Jones around to bulk up defensive numbers and hopes the centre-back can rediscover his old form soon after a number of injury setbacks.

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      Solskjaer explained: “It’s disheartening, it’s the worst thing for a footballer.
      “When you’ve got injuries, it can take your passion away, your chance to play football away.
      “He’s a top footballer, he was in the World Cup squad two years back, he was brilliant when I came in.
      “I wish him back into the squad as quick as I can. He’s a solid citizen and one of those you can trust.
      “He’s working very hard to get back, for us and for himself.
      “I’ve been through bad injuries myself and it might take your belief away and your enjoyment away.
      “He’s been working so hard to get back, he’s had a couple of setbacks but hopefully we can get some good use out of him.”

      Man Utd’s Europa League squad

      Goalkeepers

      David De Gea
      Dean Henderson
      Lee Grant
      Defenders
      Victor Lindelof
      Eric Bailly
      Phil Jones
      Harry Maguire
      Axel Tuanzebe
      Luke Shaw
      Alex Telles
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka
      Brandon Williams
      Midfielders
      Paul Pogba
      Juan Mata
      Fred
      Bruno Fernandes
      Amad Diallo
      Daniel James
      Nemanja Matic
      Donny van de Beek
      Scott McTominay
      Forwards
      Edinson Cavani
      Marcus Rashford
      Anthony Martial
      Mason Greenwood

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      Arsenal flop Alex Runarsson AXED by Mikel Arteta as 25-man squad for Europa League knockout stages are announced

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      ARSENAL goalkeeper Alex Runarsson has been axed by Mikel Arteta for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
      The Gunners were forced to cut one non-homegrown player out of their squad for the knockout rounds to make way for their new signings.

      Arsenal have left Alex Runarsson out of their Europa League squadCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      Summer arrival Runarsson was part of Arsenal’s squad for the group stages of the competition.
      The Iceland star, who deputised for Bernd Leno after his red card in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves, even played in four Europa League games last year.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
      Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli, Mat Ryan and Martin Odegaard have since been added to the group ahead of the last-32 tie against Benfica.

      Brazilian starlet Martinelli missed out on the original squad in the group stages due to injury but has since returned to full fitness.
      Despite being under 21 years of age, the attacker has not been with Arsenal for two years and so doesn’t count as homegrown.
      Former Brighton ace Ryan and Real Madrid loanee Odegaard have taken the spots vacated by Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi’s exits.
      As expected, Hector Bellerin, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Kieran Tierney and David Luiz are the first-teamers named in defence.

      Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are named on the B-list to join Dani Ceballos, Willian, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny.

      Arsenal’s Europa League Squad

      Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Mat Ryan, Karl Hein, James Hillson, Arthur Okwonko
      Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Rob Holding, Cedric, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Kieran Tierney, David Luiz, Joel Lopez, Zane Monlouis
      Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Dani Ceballos, Martin Odegaard, Willian, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe, Granit Xhaka, Ryan Alebiosu, Ben Cottrell, Miguel Azeez, Omari Giraud-Hutchinson, Charlie Patino
      Forwards: Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun, Jordan McEneff

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      Martinelli is registered among fellow forwards Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe.
      B-roll players Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are also set to be involved – as is Folarin Balogun, despite questions marks over his future.
      SunSport previously reported that Arsenal are set to lose the youngster, who has netted twice in the Europa League, at the end of the season.

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      Liverpool and Man City join Arsenal in facing playing European games at neutral venue over Germany’s Covid travel ban

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      LIVERPOOL, Manchester City and Arsenal all face playing European games on neutral territory this month.
      Uefa have confirmed that matches that cannot be played in their scheduled locations because of Covid-related protocols must be moved to neutral venues.

      Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face their tie at RB Leipzig being moved, while Pep Guardiola’s Man City can expect the same vs Borussia Monchengladbach Credit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      Manager Mikel Arteta faces Arsenal playing Benfica in a third country for both legs of their Europa League last 16 clash this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That means that Arsenal and Benfica must agree on a third country to host both legs of their Europa League last 16 clash – unless the Government lifts its “red list” of countries by next Monday.
      But the newly-approved regulations covering the knock-out phases of their two competitions, which begin later this month also impact on City and Liverpool.
      Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield outfit are due to travel to Leipzig for their last 16 first leg clash on February 16, with City due to play at Borussia Monchengladbach eight days later.

      But while German clubs can travel to the UK as long as they remain in elite Covid-secure bubbles, there is no reciprocal arrangement.

      German concern at the mutant strains of the virus in the UK means travel from England is effectively banned except for specific cases and the Government said: “Currently there is no special arrangement for professional athletes.”
      That adds another layer of uncertainty to the remainder of the European programme, with one short-term option being Uefa intervening to switch the home venues of the first leg matches involving Liverpool and City to England.
      But it seems certain that Arsenal will play both legs against Benfica on neutral ground – with the preferred option of staging the games in Germany now OFF the agenda.
      While travel corridors do exist within Europe, the new border restrictions for the 33 “red list” nations – which include Portugal – have no exemptions for elite sports.

      It means Benfica’s travelling party would have to begin their 10-day hotel quarantine in the UK by Sunday.
      That is infeasible, while Arsenal would also have to go into Government-approved accommodation for 10 days from February 25 after the away leg of the tie.
      But while Uefa state that “as a rule, matches are played at the UEFA approved venue of the home club” there is dispensation for change where “restrictions imposed by the national/local authorities could result in the match not taking place as scheduled”.
      The deadline for confirming whether Arsenal can host the tie, or  is 11pm next Monday.

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      Uefa ruled that Arsenal are under obligation to “propose a suitable alternative venue which may be in a neutral country” within Uefa where the match can “take place without any restrictions for both clubs”. 
      If Arsenal cannot do that – the Gunners are responsible for covering all the costs of the rescheduled game – they would “be held responsible” and forfeit the game 3-0.
      But with similar border restrictions facing the Gunners after the away leg, Uefa also make the same demands on Benfica for the second part of the tie.
      Uefa would prefer the chosen venue to be a “Uefa-approved” stadium being used in this season’s competition.
      Euro chiefs can overrule the clubs’ choice of stadium and could, if necessary, order the tie to be played as a one-off game in a neutral venue of their choosing.
      3-0 FORFEITS
      Uefa chiefs have also reiterated Covid protocols for clubs in the two competitions that are struck by an outbreak of the virus.
      If clubs have 13 or more players available, the match must be played as scheduled – unless all goalkeepers on the club’s books are ruled out.
      If a club has fewer than 13 available, or no keepers, Uefa will allow a postponement if the match can then be rescheduled before specific cut-off dates for each round, with March 5 the first Europa League deadline and April 2 the final date for the last 16 ties of both competitions.
      But with the March international break lasting the final 10 days of the month, there is little wriggle room to fit in games that cannot be played, leaving the clubs deemed responsible facing 3-0 forfeits. 

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      Arteta still in dark over whether Arsenal clash with Benfica in Europa League will be moved due to Covid-19 restrictions

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      MIKEL ARTETA is still in the dark about Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Portugal following the UK’s ban on travel to Portugal.
      The club have been told they will not be given a sporting exemption for the scheduled second round tie which was due to be played in Lisbon on February 18.

      Mikel Arteta admits he is still in the dark of Arsenal’s Europa League trip to PortugalCredit: EPA

      Now they are in talks with UEFA and Benfica about playing the game at a neutral venue in a country which will not require players going into quarantine.
      But Arteta does not even know if the tie will be played over one or two legs.
      He admitted: “We want to play the games and compete in Europe so we have to find a solution, but I don’t know what that is going to be.
      “Whether it’s finding a different way with the quarantine rules or playing at a different ground, I don’t know which is best.

      “Things are being decided that are not in my hands at the moment.”
      The Government’s travel ban was introduced this week to prevent the spread of a new Covid strain which has been identified in Brazil and Portugal.
      In previous rounds of European competition, all British teams were given special dispensation to travel abroad.
      But the Benfica game is the first time that permission has been withdrawn, which would mean Arsenal’s players having to spend ten days in quarantine on their return from Lisbon.

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      Any alternative arrangements will need the approval of UEFA and Arsenal will have to pay for the hire of a neutral venue if they cannot stage the return leg at the Emirates.
      Arteta is also still awaiting an update on captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has missed Arsenal’s last two games after his mother was taken seriously ill at the weekend.
      Aubameyang is now back at the club following his five-day absence but is almost certain to miss tomorrow’s crucial home game against Manchester United due to his lack of training.
      Arteta said: “I spoke with Auba about his situation and things are looking better at the moment but we have to wait and see when he can return.
      “Auba is our captain and one of our most important players. We’re doing everything to have him back as quickly as possible.

      Aubameyang will miss the Gunners’ clash with Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      “But we have to understand that he’s been through a difficult few days, that he had to support his family and now we will support him by giving him all the time he needs to get things sorted.
      “It was good to see the other players dedicating Monday’s win to him because that’s what we always expect to do for each other.
      “When someone is having difficulties we need to understand and protect him, to give him our love and be right behind him.
      “So I am really impressed with the resilience that we have shown as a team going through these difficult moments.
      “When things are not going well, that’s when you really see the character of the players and the values of the club.”
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      Arsenal in talks to play Europa League clash vs Benfica at neutral venue due to coronavirus travel ban

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      ARSENAL are in talks to switch their Europa League tie at Benfica on February 18 to a neutral venue.
      The Portuguese giants are reluctant to give up home advantage for the last-32 first leg but the UK Government have imposed a wide-ranging travel ban due to the new Covid-19 variant from Brazil.

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces uncertainty over the venue of their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie with Benfica next monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen could see new club Benfica take on his former London rivals Arsenal at a neutral venue on February 18Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Uefa protocols mean it would be up to Benfica to “propose a suitable alternative venue which may be in a neutral country”.
      So unless government rules change, such as a travel corridor opening between Portugal and Britain, then a new venue will have to be found.
      And Uefa could step in and choose where and when the match will be played if Benfica fail to suggest a venue appropriate for both teams.
      The Gunners are due to host the second leg a week later, on Thursday, February 25.

      The PA news agency say that Arsenal consider relocating the first game as an “option” but will “await official government guidance at this stage”.
      The UK Government brought in its latest travel ban on January 15 for travellers from South America, Portugal and Cape Verde.
      They acted over fears the Brazil variant of the coronavirus is more contagious than previous strains – in the same way recent variants from the UK and in South Africa have caused transmission rates to soar.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Transport Secretary Grant Shapps justified the inclusion of Portugal in the extra travel restrictions by saying it had “strong travel links with Brazil”.
      Elite sport does have an exemption from some Covid rules – but these would not cover Arsenal going to Portugal.
      And for now the Gunners are focused on continuing their Premier League revival, starting tonight at Southampton.

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